To learn more about the Burg’s First Block, and to read more about the proposed development of the area, CLICK here.

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The Burg is experiencing a major business boom. While our city’s present and future appear bright, it is important not to forget the Sunshine City’s rich history. Saint Petersburg Preservation has worked to get ‘First Block’ — Central Avenue and 1st Avenue North between 2nd and 3rd Streets — historical designation. The designation would prevent any new construction that might compromise the character of the buildings from occuring. However, landmark designation does not preclude development. This decision comes just weeks after the wrecking ball began tearing down the ‘cheese grater’ building on the 400 Block of Central Avenue.

On Thursday, October 20, council was stuck in a 4 to 4 deadlock vote on the issue. Prior to the meeting, the city had received 137 emails in support of the designation, and two against. The block is recognized as being a part of the town of St. Petersburg Plat of 1888, with 15 buildings having construction dates ranging from 1888-1937. The block meets five of nine criteria for historic context, and five of seven factors of integrity. Back in March of 2013, a demolition application was submitted for a portion of the Bishop Hotel at 256 1st Avenue North. Years prior, it was determined that the property was elligible for designation as a local historic landmark, which prompted a stay of demolition. Following the stay of demolition, the Community Planning and Preservation Commission was tasked with reviewing all of the buildings within the ‘First Block.’ The CPPC determined the area to be elligible as a local landmark district.

The criteria the block meets include:
(a) Its value is a significant reminder of the cultural or archaeological heritage of the City, state or nation;
(c) It is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation;
(d) It is identified as the work of a master builder, designer, or architect whose work has influenced the development of the City, state, or nation;
(g) Its character is a geographically definable area possessing a significant concentration, or continuity or sites, buildings, objects or structures united in past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development; and
(h) Its character is an established and geographically definable neighborhood, united in culture, architectural style, or physical plan and development.

The Hotel Detroit, 201 Central Avenue, and Binnie-Bishop Hotel, 256 1st Avenue North, are already designated as individual historic landmarks. “Preservation doesn’t mean freezing buildings in time,” said Dr. Larry Frye. It was noted in his presentation that the buildings have been updated/adapted to reflect the economic and cultural movements in the Burg without compromising their historic status. Advocates noted the district’s early addition of mixed-use buildings, which have become so imperative in St. Pete’s present day growth. Concerned citizens who are in favor of the designation expressed their desire to ensure the preservation of St. Pete’s story.

The designation received zero owner support on the block. Previous attempts to provide such designation to the area were unsuccessful. Instead, the city and the business owners reached an adaptive reuse plan. The businesses also identified the designation as unneccessary as the existence of historic overlay requires them to go through the CPC for comments as part of a permit process for demolition. The city was quoted as saying the “Jannus Block should be rehabilitated or redeveloped in keeping with the architectural style, scale and character of the block” in the City’s Intown Redevelopment Plan. While the owners identify that it wouldn’t entirely freeze the block, it would severely hinder its evolution and growth. Business owners identified the designation as a long stretch due in large part to the amount of updates that have occured on the block over the last few decades.